Learn How to Propagate Ferns in three different ways in simple steps and multiply your fern collection in a cost-effective way.
If you are looking for simple methods to propagate ferns, then read this informative post and learn how to grow ferns from spores, division, and stolons.
How to Propagate Ferns (3 Ways)
1. Propagating Ferns from Spores
Growing new plants from spores is difficult, as it takes a long time. Select spored when they appear furry and plump, cut a healthy frond, and keep it in an envelope or within two pieces of paper to dry out; after that, shake to loosen the spores.
Take a flat tray with a lid, fill it with organic, moist, and sterile potting soil, and dust the spores over it. Before adding spores, microwave the soil to kill any pathogens; to do this, dampen the soil but not soggy and place it in a microwave-safe container. Cover it with a ventilated lid or a paper towel and heat on high power for up to 90 seconds per two pounds of soil.
Note: Avoid microwaving spores or seeds, as it will destroy their germination capacity.
Keep the tray indoors in indirect light and keep the soil evenly moist. Eventually, you’ll notice a green coating on the surface of the soil. In several months, small fronds will pop up from the soil.
Few varieties produce runners or stolons. To start a new plant from one of these, pin the runner to the top of the soil using a small stone. Maintain moisture and wait for new growth; at this point, cut the stolon from the mother plant and transplant it into a new container.
2. Propagating Ferns from Division
When you see a bare center in a clump or fronds start to get small, then you can divide them for propagation. Some ferns grow as mats of fibrous roots, while others show visible crowns. Rhizomatous roots are thick, which is why fibrous roots develop.
- For dividing them, dig out the whole mature clump, water the fern two days before pulling it out.
- Cut the pieces of a six-inch square of the best sturdy growth.
- Each piece must have at least one growing tip where fronds are germinating.
- Make sure to plant a healthy division and propagate the pieces at the same depth as the mother plant.
- Water the potted divisions thoroughly after planting them. Mist the new plant every morning to provide sufficient moisture.
Note: Divide outdoor ferns in fall or during early spring. At the same time, divide indoor fern in spring when the pot is full of roots.
3. Propagating Fern from Stolons
Ferns can be propagated from stolons as well, they are fuzzy, long, string-like structures. The stolons or runners can be layered on the soil for planting ferns.
- Take a U-shaped landscape staple or a small rock and pin the stolons to the soil.
- Keep the soil moist; within a few weeks, stolons will root.
- When new growth arises, cut the runner from the mother plant.
- Take out the new plant and transplant it into a pot.
Note: Use well-draining, moist slightly acidic to neutral soil with pH 4.0 to 7.0. Though some ferns like Adiantum (maidenhair fern) need more alkaline soil.